Sacramento, California, August 11, 2025
News Summary
The California Department of Industrial Relations has announced $26 million in grants to enhance access to construction apprenticeship programs for women and disadvantaged communities. This funding is part of the Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship (ERiCA) initiative, aimed at improving recruitment, support, and retention within the construction industry. The grants will assist 25 statewide programs, with notable recipients including Cerritos College and the LA & OC Building Trades Council. This funding complements previous efforts and aligns with California’s goal of training 500,000 apprentices by 2029.
Sacramento, California – The California Department of Industrial Relations has announced the allocation of $26 million in grants aimed at enhancing access to construction apprenticeship programs for women and disadvantaged communities. This funding, part of the Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship (ERiCA) initiative, is set to bolster participation across 25 construction apprenticeship programs statewide.
This round of funding follows a previous disbursement of $25 million to 19 programs, signaling a continued commitment to improving gender and social equity within the state’s construction industry. The ERiCA grants will specifically target three areas: recruitment, support, and retention of workers in construction.
Notable recipients of ERiCA funding include:
- Cerritos College: awarded $1.25 million to enhance its field ironwork apprenticeship program.
- Los Angeles and Orange Counties Building Trades Council Apprenticeship Readiness Fund: received $2.5 million to improve recruitment, childcare, and worksite culture.
- Associated Builders and Contractors of Southern California: awarded $550,000, aimed at increasing the number of women enrolled in its programs by twofold within two years.
In addition to these grants, a new program set to commence on April 7 in Northern California will specifically focus on recruiting women into trade professions through an all-women’s Multi Craft Core Curriculum apprentice readiness program. This six-week initiative will offer hands-on training in nearly 20 trade fields, apprenticeship opportunities, safety training, and essential math skills.
The push to increase apprenticeship numbers reflects Labor Secretary Natalie Palugyai’s statement regarding California’s need to double its apprentices in order to reach Governor Gavin Newsom’s ambitious goal of training 500,000 apprentices by 2029. To support this goal, the state budget has included innovation funding intended to scale apprenticeship intermediaries and provide supplementary instruction equivalent to community college courses.
Despite the prevailing opportunities within the construction sector, statistics show that women accounted for only 4% of California apprentices in construction trades in 2021, highlighting a significant gender disparity within the field. Additionally, the participation rate among women in construction apprenticeships has been on a downward trend since the early 2000s, a situation attributed in part to the state’s affirmative action ban.
Organizations like WINTER (Women in Non-Traditional Employment Roles) remain among the few entities targeting women for construction apprenticeships. However, WINTER has faced considerable challenges during the pandemic, including the cancellation of training cohorts and loss of training venues. The program’s Executive Director has expressed concerns that unstable living conditions could deter potential trainees from pursuing these opportunities.
Effective support systems, such as case managers, are deemed crucial in assisting women as they transition into the building trades. Experts advocate for increased marketing efforts to attract more women to consider careers in this high-demand sector. Looking ahead, the state plans to invest $15 million in the upcoming budget year for a Women in Construction Priority Program.
Overview of the ERiCA Grants
| Grant Recipient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cerritos College | $1.25 million | Support field ironwork apprenticeship program |
| LA & OC Building Trades Council | $2.5 million | Childcare, recruitment, and worksite culture improvement |
| Associated Builders & Contractors | $550,000 | Double women’s enrollment in programs |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the ERiCA grants?
The ERiCA grants aim to increase access to construction apprenticeship programs for women and disadvantaged communities by focusing on recruitment, support, and retention of workers.
How many programs received funding in this round?
A total of 25 construction apprenticeship programs have been awarded grants in this round.
What are the participation rates for women in this sector?
In 2021, women represented only 4% of California apprentices in construction trades, and their participation has declined significantly since the early 2000s.
What is the state’s goal concerning apprenticeships?
Governor Gavin Newsom has set a goal for California to train 500,000 apprentices by 2029.
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Additional Resources
- Insurance Journal: California Announces $26 Million for Women in Construction
- MSN Money: California Invests in Women Construction Careers
- KCRA: ValleyBuild Trains Women in Northern California
- LAist: California’s Push for Women in Construction Apprenticeships
- California Globe: Apprenticeship Programs Under the Labor Code
- Wikipedia: Construction Industry
- Google Search: Women in Construction
- Google Scholar: Construction Apprenticeships California
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Apprenticeship
- Google News: Women in Construction California
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